6.28.2012

I was contacted last fall by the fine folks at PopMark Media on behalf of Ameri-Dry, a leading basement waterproofing company based in Maryland, about creating a super-hero-type character/pitchman for use in all aspects of their identity, from their website, to their service vehicles, to television commercials.

Right away, I felt like "grim and gritty" would be the wrong direction to go with this character, envisioning more of a 1950's type, working-man super guy... more All-Star Squadron than Image Comics... almost corny, to some extent. I did a few sketches, and ultimately came up with this:

I know, right? A few tweaks (and proprietary conversations) later, and we have a corporate mascot!

I then designed a few more characters and illustrated some keyframes, before sending them off to be animated by the guys at Resolution Post, resulting in these two commercials, which are now running in Baltimore and Knoxville, TN!

6.21.2012

Wow, how is it that something you've been looking forward to for over two years can sneak up on you? Still, that's what I'm looking at. I'm talking, of course about Heroes Con, which'll be kicking off right around this time tomorrow morning in loverly Charlotte, NC. I missed last year's show, thanks to this handsome little bastard, which means I'm more anxious than usual to see all my fans and comics pals, do a crapload of commissions, and get some con deals!

This year's show is extra special, too, as I was honored...HONORED...to provide the artwork for the official Indie Island t-shirt. I'm really stoked about how it turned out, I hope you like it too. You can get 'em at the show, in both men's and ladies' versions, and who knows, I might be able to make a few available on the blog next week. Also, I'm submitting the original art for the shirt to the must-attend Heroes Con Art Auction Saturday night, so you can take this little comics-lovin' gal home with you in all kinds 'a different ways!

Anyway, I'll be there all weekend in a J Chris Campbell/Brad McGinty sandwich at AA-546 on Indie Island. There'll be a bunch of new to Heroes books like Old-Timey Hockey Tales and Teeny Bikini #7 and some just plain old new for real books like Bluelines and Ghost Story. Lots of new prints, too, and the second set of Legion Ladies prints. Honestly, I'm bringing the whole damn store, so if there's something you want, it's for sale. If you want to give me a heads up on a sketch or commission you might like to have done, drop me a line in the comments as well!

6.14.2012

Well, Monday night the Kings finished off the Devils, so the time has come to announce a winner in the Atom-Bomb Bikini playoff challenge as well. It was a crazy year...with all the upsets and a completely unexpected final four (not to mention the LA Kings inexplicable transformation into the '77 Canadiens), it didn't take many correct picks to slide into contention for some prizes!

To review the scoring...I awarded 1 point for each correct conference final team predicted, 2 points for each Stanley Cup final participant predicted, and 3 points for picking the Cup winner. Out of a possible 11 points, readers Craig W., Elliott S. and The Dave Show finished in a three-way tie for first place with 4 (yes, 4) points apiece. Now without further ado, let's pick a big winner!

I want to congratulate all our winners, and thank all of my great readers for entering the contest! I especially want to thank my kind prize-providers, Andy at Original Retro Brand and Katie Sekelsky, and encourage you to visit and patronize their respective sites!

6.01.2012

Pals and gals, if you're in the Richmond area and are looking for something AWESOME to do tomorrow night, June 2, might I suggest The Night of Honky-Tonk Angels III show at the Canal Club. It's a benefit for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, featuring bands, music and cars, and it should be a rollicking good time. What could possibly be wrong with an entire club filled with folks who are absolutely dedicated to boobs?

For my part, I was thrilled to be asked to handle the poster design and illustration, and I'm very happy with how the art turned out. The original art will in fact be auctioned off at some point tomorrow evening, so you can own this illustration of the lovely "Angel", our official mascot for the event. There'll be a few other items featuring Angel for purchase as well.

You can find out more via the NOHTA blog or on the Facebook... So c'mon out, for goodness' sake, and tell 'em Chappy sent 'cha!

Old-Timey Hockey Tales

Celebrate the Golden Age of the coolest sport on earth. Features stories about Gordie Howe, Michel Briere, Lester Patrick and the Rocket Richard Riot. By Rob Ullman and Jeffrey Brown. 32 color and black and white pages, $6. Click the photo to order!

CONVENTIONS and APPEARANCES

Bio

ROBERT ULLMAN pays the bills as a freelance illustrator for a plethora of publications and clients, such as THE HOCKEY NEWS, PENTHOUSE, THE STRANGER, LAS VEGAS WEEKLY, HarperCollins, The U.S. Army and The American Red Cross. He creates comics in his spare time (of which there never seems to be enough), including ATOM-BOMB BIKINI, GRAND GESTURES, and OLD-TIMEY HOCKEY TALES.
rob (at) robullman (dot) com